Spouses of German citizens and foreign residents living legally in Germany can move to the country through a spouse visa under Germany’s family reunification rules. The visa is offered to help married couples and registered civil partners live together in Germany, provided they meet eligibility requirements, including basic German language skills.
The spouse visa is a long-stay national visa (Type D) that allows applicants to enter Germany and later convert their status into a residence permit after arrival. The visa is generally issued for three to 12 months and costs €75.
Who can apply?
The visa is available to spouses of German nationals and foreign nationals who hold a valid German residence permit, settlement permit or EU Blue Card.
Most non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens must apply for a spouse visa before travelling to Germany.
However, citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States do not need an entry visa. They can travel to Germany and apply directly for a residence permit at the local Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde).
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a completed and signed visa application form, biometric photographs and a legalized marriage certificate.
Other key documents include proof of the spouse's legal status in Germany, such as a German passport, identity card, naturalisation certificate or residence permit.
Applicants must also provide an A1-level German language certificate, copies of the spouse’s employment contract, recent payslips, rental agreement and registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung).
Travel health insurance valid in Germany and proof of visa fee payment are also required.
How does the application process work?
Applications must generally be submitted through a German embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
Some German missions allow online submission of visa applications. However, applicants are still required to attend an in-person appointment to provide biometric data and complete the formal process.
Once approved, visa holders can travel to Germany and apply for a residence permit before the visa expires.
What rights do spouses receive in Germany?
After obtaining a spouse residence permit, individuals gain access to several rights that support long-term integration.
They can work in Germany without restrictions and do not need a separate work permit. They are also allowed to enrol in German universities without applying for a separate student visa.
The residence permit can also serve as a pathway to permanent settlement and citizenship.
Path to permanent residence
According to the guidance, spouses of German citizens or holders of a settlement permit may become eligible for permanent residency after three years of living in Germany.
The permanent residence route is intended to provide long-term security for families who plan to remain in the country.
Can spouses become German citizens?
Germany also offers a faster route to citizenship for spouses of German nationals.
Individuals married to German citizens can apply for citizenship after three years of residence in Germany, provided they have been married for at least two years and meet language requirements, including German proficiency at the B2 level.
For spouses who are not married to German citizens, citizenship may be possible after five years of residence, subject to the same marriage duration and language conditions.
One of the most important requirements for a spouse visa is proof of basic German language skills at the A1 level. Applicants should also ensure that marriage certificates and supporting documents meet German legalisation and translation requirements before submitting an application.
For families planning a move, the spouse visa remains one of the main routes to reunification in Germany, while also offering access to employment, education, permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship.
